Consolidated principles for screening based on a systematic review and consensus process

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Policy

Background:

• Wilson and Jungner's 1968 principles are foundational for population-based screening decisions.
• Contemporary screening practices have evolved beyond the original 10 principles.
• There is a need to reassess and update screening principles for current relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review principles for population-based screening published since 1968.
• To conduct a Delphi consensus process to update and modernize screening principles.
• To assess the evolution and current applicability of screening decision criteria.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of articles on population-based screening principles (1968-present).
• Citation analysis and iterative synthesis of identified principles.
• Modified Delphi consensus process to evaluate and refine consolidated principles.

Main Results:

• Identified 41 sets and 367 unique screening principles.
• Consolidated principles into 12 categories, with a greater emphasis on program/system aspects.
• Consensus process refined principles for relevance and interpretability; no gaps identified.

Conclusions:

• Wilson and Jungner's principles remain influential but are incomplete for modern screening.
• The updated 12 consolidated principles offer a modernized framework for screening decisions.
• This work provides comprehensive guidance for contemporary population-based screening.